Lecture Notes on Society: Meaning and Characteristics

Etymology and Definition

• Origin of the term: Derived from the Latin word socius, meaning companion, association, or fellowship.
• Simmel's perspective: Sociability is essential to society.
• Broader understanding: Society can refer to:
  • Specific groups (e.g., Diac Society in Borneo).
  • Institutions (e.g., Society of Jesus).
  • Associations (e.g., Consumer Society, Cooperative Society).
  • Types of society (e.g., Rural Society, Urban Society).
• Sociological definition: Society is a complex pattern of norms and interactions among individuals, not merely a group of people.

Structural vs. Functional Definitions

• Structural Definitions: Focus on society as a structure, including:

  • Morris Ginsburg: Society as a collection of individuals united by relations or behaviors.
  • F.H. Giddings: Society as the organization of formal relations.
  • G.D.H. Cole: Society as a complex of organized associations.
  • J.F. Cuber: Society as a group of people organized and distinct from others.

• Functional Definitions: Emphasize society as a process of relationships, including:

  • Robert Morrison McIver: Society as a complex of groups that support each other.
  • Talcott Parsons: Society as the total complex of human relationships arising from actions.
  • Charles H. Cooley: Society as a living and growing complex of forms.
  • Eleanor Burke Leacock: Society includes a range of human relations beyond political ties.

Key Characteristics of Society

1. Population: Essential for society; without people, no society can form.
2. Likeness: Crucial for mutual recognition and belonging; rooted in kinship and nationality.
3. Differences: Important for social relationships; complements likeness (e.g., division of labor).
4. Interdependence: Each member's survival is reliant on relationships with others.
5. Cooperation and Conflict: Both are necessary for society; cooperation builds, while conflict can strengthen social bonds.
6. Network of Relationships: Society is fundamentally a web of social relationships.
7. Permanent Nature: Society persists beyond the existence of individual members.
8. Abstract Concept: Society includes customs, traditions, and culture, which are abstract in nature.
9. Dynamic: Society continuously evolves; customs and values change over time.
10. Comprehensive Culture: Each society has a unique culture, encompassing values, beliefs, and practices that are passed to future generations.